Protecting our champions: improving the safeguarding journey for adult athletes who have experienced sexual harassment or abuse within sport in France

Whilst the occurrence of sexual harassment and abuse in sport has been the focus of a growing body of literature, the vast majority of research has focused on children. There is therefore a significant gap in the literature regarding experiences of sexual abuse and harassment of adult athletes in sport. The present study addresses this important gap by examining the perspectives of eight elite athletes who have experienced sexual harassment or abuse in the context of sport in France. Semi-structured interviews were conducted which were grounded in the 5Rs framework (Readiness, Recognition, Reporting, Response, Remedy). Data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The athletes experienced systemic challenges at every stage of the safeguarding journey, including insufficient safeguarding education, minimization or normalization of abuse, unclear reporting pathways, defensive institutional practices, and limited access to meaningful remedies. Participants perceived that sports organisations often prioritize performance, reputation, and financial gain over athlete well-being. This study highlights the urgent need for evidence-informed, athlete-centered policies and practices to protect adult athletes in high-performance sport in France.